The federal government's ban on polycarbonate baby bottles is great. But, what about pregnant women using the water bottles? Should pregnant women just follow the advice about avoiding high-temperature washing and disposing of old, worn bottles?

Category:

Plastics

Answer:

This question identifies a key gap in the government's action on BPA. The scientific evidence does indeed point to exposure in the womb as a time of high vulnerability, perhaps the most important time for exposures that may contribute to later-life cancers in their children. Since there are readily available alternatives to polycarbonate (#7) plastic water bottles, pregnant women can easily avoid these exposures. We recommend that pregnant women switch to bottles made of stainless steel or glass. For plastic options, reusable containers made from #4 and #5 plastics are a better choice. For more information on choices about plastics, see the Smart Plastics Guide.